China is ending its foreign adoption program, leaving hundreds of American families uncertain about the future.
China's Ministry of Civil Affairs is being sought for clarification by the U.S. embassy.
This week, the Chinese government is terminating a program that enables foreign families to adopt children from the country.
Beijing announced that it will not process any adoption cases except for blood relatives adopting a child or stepchild, as stated in a phone call with U.S. diplomats, according to the Associated Press (AP).
The Ministry of Civil Affairs in China is being sought for clarification in writing by the State Department.
The State Department acknowledged the existence of hundreds of families whose adoption process is still incomplete and expressed empathy towards their predicament.
"In accordance with international conventions, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated during a news conference that the country is appreciative of the governments and adoptive families of other countries' interest in adopting Chinese children."
Over 80,000 American parents have adopted children from China since 1999, which accounts for about 29% of all U.S. overseas adoptions. Typically, adoptive parents visit the country to pick up the child and then bring them back to their home overseas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government temporarily halted international adoptions. As a result, there were no adoptions from China in 2021 and 2022, according to State Department data.
Last year, 16 children were adopted from China.
Before the suspension of adoptions in 2020, the Chinese government permitted adoptions for children who had obtained travel consent, according to the AP.
After decades of enforcing a strict "one child" policy, China is now facing a decline in birth rates.
media
You might also like
- With Trump's appearance, 'Gutfeld!' records its highest viewership ever.
- Trump supporter criticized by CNN reporter for complaining about the economy while owning a boat.
- Melania Trump was present at Rosalynn Carter's funeral, according to Hillary Clinton.
- The former New York Times bureau chief's plea for Harris to answer questions more directly would be beneficial.
- Clinton is certain that Harris will secure the popular vote over Trump.